The epitome of the British roadster
Purist two-seater body
Only two owners in 29 years
Classic colour scheme
When Austin-Healey introduced the 100-6 in 1956, the name was already somewhat out of date. Its predecessor, the 100, had been named after its ability to reach 100 miles per hour, but the newcomer could do more – not least because it had gained another two cylinders.
The 2.6-litre straight-six, derived from the Austin Westminster, replaced the gutsy four-cylinder engine of the 100. Initially, this was not entirely an advantage. The new engine was heavier, and the first 100-6s were scarcely faster than their predecessors. On the other hand, the six-cylinder was smoother and gave the Healey that character which would later become inseparable from the “Big Healeys”.
The 100-6 first appeared as the BN4, with 2+2 seating and a longer wheelbase. In 1958, the BN6 followed as a pure two-seater. By then, the engine had been given a little more enthusiasm as well: a revised cylinder head and further modifications raised output to 117 bhp. Overdrive was available at extra cost.
The BN6 was a short-lived pleasure, however. As early as 1959, the 100-6 gave way to the Austin-Healey 3000, whose larger three-litre six-cylinder engine finally perfected the idea.
That leaves the BN6 occupying a particularly appealing place in Healey history today: a classic two-seater like the early 100, but already equipped with that silky six-cylinder engine that made the Big Healeys famous. A transitional model. And all the more interesting for it.
The previous owner acquired this Healey in Canada in 1997. He considered the two-seater body the most attractive of them all, and it had to be left-hand drive. By then, the car had already been restored. Whoever carried out the work had put together a suitably opulent motor car: silver over black with a red interior, complemented by optional chrome wire wheels and a white hood. It could hardly have been more sumptuous.
The previous owner imported the Healey into Austria and had it officially approved there in 1998. In June 2013, he sold it to the consignor with 11,828 miles showing at the time. What particularly persuaded him to buy was the car’s condition and, above all, its overdrive, which by no means every example had. In today’s rather brisk traffic, overdrive makes life considerably more pleasant for both man and machine.
Early in his ownership, the steering was renewed and the gearbox repaired. As part of the regular servicing, the braking system was also overhauled or renewed at 17,000 miles. An extensive file of invoices further underlines the positive impression.
The Healey is an honest motor car, already showing a little patina again and perhaps all the more charming for it. The brawny six-cylinder has little trouble with the relatively small car and its soundtrack is a delight every single time. The consignor loves the Healey because it has been such a faithful companion. These days, however, this young father finds even more pleasure in playing with his small children.